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Post by alisont on Jul 6, 2007 22:15:13 GMT
Have just seen this on another vegan forum i use. Thought id copy it as Im sure some of you here know Neil and Mary and might want to send a card or contact them.
Neil is a long term very committed animal rights campaigner who has fought serious illness for decades. he's a man of exceptional strength of character but unfotunately the illnesses he suffers from are very serious.
If you don't know him and don't know what to say, just a crad would be appreciated.
As some of you already know, Neil Lea is back in hospital in a very serious condition. He has picked up a bit this week because of all the visitors he's been getting although is still very weak and dehydrated. The doctors have managed to get a drip back in (which has been a problem as they've had difficulty finding a vein they can get a needle into) so at least he's now getting fluids, but the operation to get a tube into his stomach to feed him didn't work yesterday.
You can send cards to Neil at: Neil Lea Ward 8 Princess Royal Hospital Grainger Drive Apley Castle Telford TF1 6TF
His partner Mary is there all the time and will show Neil the cards and read them to him. If anyone wants to visit its best to ring Mary first. She said people can ring her on the phone that is in Neil's hospital room although its v expensive (around 40p per minute) - 0708 136 6536.
Please pass this message around to anyone who knows Neil (which is pretty much everyone!)
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Post by maisiepaisie on Jul 6, 2007 23:06:25 GMT
Is this Realfood Mary and Neil who used to post on VF? I don't know Neil but I've met Mary, a lovely lady. I will send a card.
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Post by alisont on Jul 7, 2007 7:28:43 GMT
Yes Masie thats the couple. Mary and Neil were 2 of the first vegans I met at the Birmingham vegan festival - they really helped me move from veggie to vegan, in fact it would of taken me longer to go vegan if Mary had not of offered me the support she did
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Post by lilachamster on Jul 10, 2007 20:30:28 GMT
I received this message this evening, I am sorry to be the bearer of such very sad news. Lesley Neil Lea died this evening at around 6.30pm at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford. His passing was peaceful. Neil was an extraordinary man. Each day was a battle to overcome, sometimes very painful, illness to get on with his tireless campaigning for animal rights. Born spina bifida, Neil recognised that his life expectancy was below average and lived his life accordingly, impatient and determined to make a positive difference. His vision, moral courage, tenacity and strategic insight made him a great campaigner. Neil remained ambitious to the end and rarely talked about his illness, unless asked, or even his past achievements but instead focussed intensely on his next project. The loss to our movement is immeasurable. But Neil's strength and determination should inspire us all to continue the fight - no matter how tough it gets. We love you Neil. Animal Protection Agency Brighton Media Centre 15-17 Middle Street Brighton BN1 1AL ________________________ Tel: 01273 674253 Fax: 01273 674927 www.apa.org.uk************************
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Post by veggiesosage on Jul 10, 2007 20:34:49 GMT
Thats very sad. I didn't know him at all and never (knowingly) met him but I've heard about him a lot and knew their website.
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Post by veganbikerboy on Jul 10, 2007 21:51:07 GMT
indeed sad. my thoughts are with mary and seamus.
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neil
Newbie
Mushroom muncher
Posts: 32
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Post by neil on Jul 10, 2007 22:20:17 GMT
Very sad news. Neil used to come over from Wolves to North staffs AR group and had poor health even then over 10 years ago but was allways looking for new ways to help animals and get more people involved. A couple of my friends had only been asking about him a couple of weeks ago.
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Post by fezzarooooo on Jul 10, 2007 22:24:11 GMT
That's very sad.
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Post by alisont on Jul 11, 2007 14:59:23 GMT
Very sad news this. I first met Mary, Neil and Seamus at the Birmingham vegan fair just over 2 years ago and a week later with lots of advice and support from them I went vegan - I do credit Mary and Neil for giving me the final push I needed to go vegan.
My thoughts are with Mary and Seamus.
Alison
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Post by enchantress on Jul 11, 2007 15:07:20 GMT
Very sad news . *Sends healing thoughts to Mary and Seamus*.
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Post by maisiepaisie on Jul 11, 2007 21:09:09 GMT
So sorry to hear this sad news
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Post by veggiesosage on Jul 12, 2007 0:00:55 GMT
I just stumbled on this remembrance page for Neil on the Veggies website, which you may be interested in. It has details of his funeral, which will apparently be an open ceremony with all activists invited. They are asking for any video or audio footage of him as well. There's also a condolence message board. www.veggies.org.uk/page.php?ref=1107
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Post by veggiewoman on Jul 19, 2007 11:52:34 GMT
R.I.P Neil x
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Post by lilachamster on Jul 23, 2007 15:01:49 GMT
Is anyone else from here going to the funeral? I am thinking of going, if I can get a lift or if I can make it on public transport (seems a difficult journey so am still a bit undecided).
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Post by alisont on Jul 23, 2007 16:51:23 GMT
I dont think Il be able to go, but there are good detailed instructions/directions on the veggies site - says it is all possible by public transport.
The trains are all running ok now after the floods apart from via Hereford/Gloucs routes I believe.
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Post by lilachamster on Jul 26, 2007 12:15:55 GMT
Actually hugely difficult and awkward from here on public transport, about 5 changes, and about 4 1/2 or 5 hours! I have to go into London then Manchester or Wigan, then Walkden. Basically it is out in the sticks and I am a bit out in the sticks of outer London.
I really want to go, and still thinking about it. I thought I would have heard by now about a lift as I am definitely on the list of people asking for one through the London Animal Rights. I am worried that they won't have a lift for me because I said on no account would I be able to travel in a car or minibus where anyone would be allowed to smoke. I'm really quite easy-going apart from that but people get this impression of me from that about me being too fussy, and I have to be upfront about this one thing!
Has anyone any news about lifts at all from the London area? I am happy to get into London on public transport to be picked up.
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